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The best surfing spots in the world

There are many beautiful beaches and deep blue seas around the world where surfers are happy to show off their skills. But what are the best spots? A beginner windsurfer wants flat and shallow water, whereas experienced wave surfers look for spectacular waves.

The options are infinite, but here you will find a great selection. These 5 top surfing spots offer the best wind conditions and great waves, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Wave surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers will have a blast here.

 Kitesurfing in sunny destinations

Top 2 destinations

Windsurfing paradise Bonaire

Bonaire is also known as a windsurfing paradise. The leeward island owes its nickname mostly to Lac Bay. This bay with calm water on the south coast is protected from the sea by a large coral reef. Approximately the size of 80 football fields, Lac Bay boasts warm turquoise water and a steady 16-knot wind year-round. The shallow water near the white sandy beaches makes this a favourite spot for beginners; it is easier to climb back on the board after a wipeout. But advanced surfers also love the perfect conditions on this beautiful lake. For a more challenging ride, surfers head to the outer edges of the bay where there is more swell, or they try the waves at Klein Bonaire.

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Lac Bay, Bonaire

Giant waves in Hawaii

Hawaii is a world-famous surf spot; the island of Oahu is especially known as one of the best wave surf locations in the world. Oahu is surrounded by tropical palm beaches with pleasant waves that roll smoothly to shore. A few waves literally stand out, like the Banzai Pipeline. This ‘pipeline’ is one of the ultimate challenges; even the best surfers in the world will get a major adrenalin boost here. A decent wave can easily be 11 metres high and curls like a pipe around the surfer. Waimea Bay on the northern coast is also known as challenging spot for demanding surfers. During the winter months in particular, huge waves provide plenty of opportunity for spectacular tricks.

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Oahu, the United States

Kilometres of surfing fun on the Gold Coast

The Australian Gold Coast has over 50 kilometres of beaches so there is plenty of room for the huge number of wave surfers. Calm waves for beginners alternate with impressive huge walls of water for advanced surfers. Many surfers stay in one of the fun beach towns on the Gold Coast and enjoy life on the long stretches of beach. Others travel all over the area. Superbank is a popular destination. Experts claim that Tweed Heads offers beautiful waves that curl so smoothly that surfers can ride them forever.

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Gold Coast

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Tarifa: paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers

Enjoying the sea at Tarifa

The Strait of Gibraltar, situated near the Spanish town of Tarifa, forms a perfect wind tunnel between Europe and Africa. This location attracts kitesurfers who want to play in the waves as well as those who prefer a smoother surface. The most popular beach is Playa Los Lances Norte, a wide clean beach without dangerous rocks. Westerly winds are perfect for beginners. With favourable winds, Playa Los Lances Sur is also a very pleasant beach. This is a hotspot for kitesurfers during the spring and autumn months. Note that kitesurfing is not allowed in summer, when the beaches are packed.

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Kitesurfing at tropical Boracay

Constant wind, tropical temperatures and long beaches make the Philippine island of Boracay a perfect destination for kitesurfers. Beginners can head to the 2 kilometre-long Bulabog Beach, a great spot from December through March when it doesn’t rain. Lifeguards will help to prepare and launch the kite. Union Beach is the perfect spot for advanced kitesurfers who want to make sensational jumps. A calm, long tropical beach where waves challenge the surfers. White Beach is the place to be in the rainy season when the south-westerly wind blows as the waves are at their best.

Read more about surfing and the best surf destinations on surf.klm.com